Super Eagles Captain Wilfred Ndidi has described Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal as another important benchmark in the team’s development under head coach Éric Chelle.
Nigeria will face the European giants in Leiria, Portugal, at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, with both sides using the encounter to fine-tune preparations for future competitions.
The Super Eagles head into the match in a confident mood after a six-game unbeaten run that has produced four wins and two draws. Chelle’s side has also lost just once in regulation time in 24 matches since the Franco-Malian took charge in January 2025.
Ndidi believes Portugal will provide the kind of challenge the Super Eagles need as the team continue their progress.
“It will be a very good test for us, we faced the first test against Poland, and Portugal is a great team with great players as well,” Ndidi told reporters on Tuesday.
“It will be a massive test for us as a group, to our vision, to our aim as a team, to our growth. It will definitely be a good test for us.”
The midfielder credited Chelle for the transformation of the Super Eagles, pointing to the team’s impressive displays, particularly at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where Nigeria’s attacking football earned widespread praise despite falling short of the title.
“He (Chelle) is a very good manager, an amazing guy. The way he brings the team together is really good because everyone is happy to have him around. The most important thing is to have a group of players who are ready to fight and work for you, and also do the nation proud,” Ndidi added.
